About Friendly Translation
Built by interpreters who sat through the very interviews we now support.
Friendly Translation started in Newark in 2014 when certified court interpreter Sofia Ferreira kept hearing families say they were turned away because “no one spoke Portuguese.” We built a bilingual (Portuguese ↔ English) team so immigrants never have to face USCIS or EOIR appointments alone.
Book an InterpreterFounded
2016 · San Diego
Started supporting Portuguese-speaking parents navigating I-485 interviews. Today we manage USCIS, EOIR, and legal interpreting across six metros.
Certified & Vetted
DOJ contractor, USCIS vendor numbers, FBI background checks, HIPAA training.
Community Roots
Partner to immigrant resource centers, legal clinics, and public defenders.
Coverage Map
On-site teams in CA, TX, FL, AZ, OH, NJ with fly-out support nationwide.
Impact
Community-forward. Attorney-approved. Interpreter-led.
1,200+
USCIS + EOIR Assignments
12
Certified Translators
35
Community Partners
Our Team
Experienced interpreters who understand your journey.
Paulo Amaral
Certified Interpreter
Paulo brings years of experience supporting Portuguese-speaking families through USCIS interviews and legal proceedings.
Credentials
From Ana Martins, Founder
“Language is the difference between hearing 'approved' or 'please come back in six months'. We exist to make sure Portuguese speakers never face that room alone.”